Irving Dale Fryar (born September 28, 1962) is a former American college and professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for seventeen seasons. Fryar played college football for the University of Nebraska, and was recognized as an All-American. He was selected with the first overall pick of the 1984 NFL Draft, becoming the first wide receiver to be taken number one overall, and played professionally for the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Redskins of the NFL.
[edit] Early years
Fryar grew up in Mount Holly Township, New Jersey and played high school football at Rancocas Valley Regional High School.[1]
[edit] College career
An All-American for the University of Nebraska in 1983, Fryar played alongside Heisman Trophy winner Mike Rozier (running back) and Heisman finalist Turner Gill (quarterback).
[edit] Professional career
Fryar was the first wide receiver to be drafted first overall in the NFL Draft when the New England Patriots made him the top selection of the 1984 NFL Draft.
Fryar played in Super Bowl XX with the Patriots and scored their only touchdown in their 46-10 loss to the Chicago Bears. He played a total of 255 games in his career and made the Pro Bowl five times (1985, 1993, 1994, 1996 and 1997).
Fryar retired from the NFL in 2001 after completing 17 NFL seasons. During that time, he caught 851 passes for 12,785 yards and 84 touchdowns, along with one rushing and three punt return touchdowns. He also gained 242 rushing yards, 2,055 yards returning punts, 505 yards on kickoff returns, and 7 fumble return yards, giving him 15,594 all-purpose yards.
[edit] Personal
Fryar resides in the Jobstown section of Springfield Township, Burlington County, New Jersey.[2] His son, Londen Fryar, played cornerback for the New York Giants after a collegiate career at Western Michigan University.
[edit] NFL records
- Touchdown receptions from 19 different passers
- Consecutive seasons with 10+ receptions - 17 (1984–2000)
- Consecutive seasons with 150+ receiving yards - 17 (1984–2000)
- Consecutive seasons with 2+ touchdown receptions - 16 (1985–2000)
- Consecutive seasons with 2+ touchdowns - 16 (1985–2000) - tied with Marcus Allen
- 1st player to record a touchdown reception in 17 consecutive seasons (1984–2000) - (broken by Jerry Rice who ended up with 20 consecutive seasons with a TD reception)
- Oldest player to score 4 touchdowns (all receptions) in a single game (10/20/1996) - 34 years, 22 days
- 2nd most receiving yards in a half - 211 (2nd half, Sept. 5, 1994) (Steve Largent had 224 in the 1st half against replacement players in 1987)
[edit] References
- ^ Weinberg, David. "NEW JERSEY NATIVE FRYAR AGREES TO PACT WITH EAGLES", The Press of Atlantic City, March 20, 1996. Accessed February 28, 2011. "Fryar, who grew up in Mount Holly and starred at Rancocas Valley High School, became the second area native to sign with the Eagles during the offseason, joining Trenton's Troy Vincent."
- ^ Coyne, Kevin. "JERSEY; Ex-N.F.L. Star Now Hauls In Lost Souls", The New York Times, December 31, 2006. Accessed November 3, 2007. "He moved back to New Jersey, to nearby rural Jobstown, after he retired in 2001 from the Washington Redskins."
[edit] External links
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| Persondata |
| Name |
Fryar, Irving |
| Alternative names |
Fryar, Irving Dale; Fryar, Irving D. |
| Short description |
All-American college football player, professional football player, wide receiver |
| Date of birth |
September 28, 1962 |
| Place of birth |
Browns Mills, New Jersey, United States |
| Date of death |
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| Place of death |
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